Udaipur, a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is also known as the “City of Lakes” and “Venice of the East.” It is a perfect blend of hills, lakes, temples, monuments, historic buildings, and mini-to-micro forests.

The main places of attraction in Udaipur, for us, have been Karni Mata Temple, Neemach Mata Temple, and Jagdish Temple. Setting eyes on the setting sun across Fateh Sagar Lake has also been a great experience.

Trip to Udaipur: How to Reach?

There are several options to reach Udaipur, including road, rail, and air.

• This city has its own airport named Maharana Pratap Airport (IATA Code- UDR), which is around 20-25 km from downtown.
• If you wish to drive to Udaipur, it is well-connected to all major cities through highways and expressways.
• Buses are also available from major nearby cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, etc.
• Udaipur also has its own railway station named Udaipur City Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities.

Trip to Udaipur: Travelling by Train?

Out of all these, we opted for the railway as we find it a budget-friendly and relatively comfortable option. We took the Chetak Express train from Delhi Sarai Rohilla station, which can be boarded from Delhi Cantonment railway station too. This train was to drop us at the Udaipur city station the next morning, but God had another plan for us. We alighted from the train at Mavli Junction to first visit Nathdwara, which was just 30 km from Mavli. After paying a visit to Shree Nath ji, we took a bus for the next 45-50 km to reach Udaipur. The bus fare was ₹50 per person, and it dropped us in Udaipur in an hour or so.

Trip to Udaipur: Places to Visit and Trip Experience

There are many tourist attractions in Udaipur, but we visited only a few based on our inclination towards nature and God.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Fateh Sagar Lake, Sunset Point

We reached Udaipur in the afternoon, somewhere around 3:00 PM. After having some snacks near Chetak Crossing, we hired an auto rickshaw that asked for ₹300 and charged ₹150 after bargaining. It was to reach the sunset point near Fateh Sagar Lake, and we reached there slightly before 4:00 PM. This point is not too far from the city centre, but because shared transport is not available, we had to hire one.

Udaipur Travel: Watching the Waters

After reaching there, we walked on the lake shore to stare at the beautiful water body and the hills behind it.

The sun was bright and shining, causing its rays to reflect from the lake, creating a glittering scene. The sky was clean with some cloud fills, looking like ice fillings in the sky. On the walkway, camel and horse rides were also available for hire, which many tourists were using. Though we did not, you can also explore Maharana Pratap Smarak, situated overlooking the lake.

Udaipur Travel: Watching the Sunset

After having a good walk, we witnessed that the sky started to saffronise, indicating that the sun was about to set. Therefore, we rushed towards the Swami Vivekananda Memorial Park, which provided good seating space to witness the sunset. The sun had sported a saffron shade by the time we got seated.

It looked beautiful, powerful, like revolving at its axis, which we were able to see with the lenses gifted by God to us. The lenses of our not-so-expensive cameras were unable to capture that revolving thing. However, they captured the sunset really well. This was the first time we continuously stared at the setting sun.

It was an experience that I would want to feel frequently. It gave me immense pleasure by taking me into a condition where my brain was into still mode. My brain was blissful in that moment with no thoughts of the past, future, or any kind of imagination.

After it began to get dark, we headed towards the Udaipur railway station to relax at the IRCTC retiring room.

The retiring room was for double occupancy, costing up to nearly ₹360 for a night.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Karni Mata Temple Trek

Next morning, we checked out of the retiring-room at around 08:00 AM and parked our luggage in the cloak room. The cloak room charge was ₹20 per bag for 24 hours. As already mentioned, there is no regular shared transport option for most Udaipur tourist places, so we hired an auto rickshaw again. It charged ₹100 and dropped us at the trek start point as early as 10 minutes.

Udaipur Travel: Trekking Aravalli Hills

Our trek started with a sight of beautiful flowers, parrots, and squirrels. The path was well built in concrete steps, and therefore, was less attractive for us, as we wanted nature views. However, a little bit of greenery on the sides of the trek was giving us motivation to move forward. The trek was not too long, but just a kilometre or so, and there were many points to have great city and lake views. However, the real treat was waiting for us at the top – the Karni Mata temple.

Udaipur Travel: Watching the Sunrise

As soon as we reached there, we took a sight of the goddess and the peace-offering Shiva-lingam. The ringing of temple bells offered me calmness and mental energy. And then we went to the balcony-like area adjacent to the temple, from where we had a sight of the just-risen sun. It became a beautiful sight with the combination of trident and temple peak.

We stayed there for about an hour, having views of the lake and the city from the top. Then we trekked back to the city and walked towards Jagdeesh temple.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Jagdish Temple

After having breakfast, we walked for about an hour to reach Jagdeesh temple. Jagdish Temple in Udaipur is a historic temple dedicated to the Vishnu form of God. The lord is also referred to as Jagannath, which means the lord or supreme of the universe (everything). This temple is renowned as a major spiritual and cultural centre of the old city near the royal City Palace.

It is also famous for its towering shikhara and intricate stone carvings. The temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651 and is a symbol of the Vaishnava tradition in the city.

Udaipur Travel: Witnessing Pure Devotion

On the way, we saw a small traditional temple which looked quite peaceful, and therefore, we entered that temple too. It was a Shiva temple, and an aunty was celebrating her New Year’s Day by singing hymns dedicated to Mahadev. It was a great combination of ancient Indian (Bhartiya) devotion and an extreme level of bliss. We stayed in that temple for some time, listening and recording her singing, and moved forward towards Jagdeesh temple.

Udaipur Travel: Visiting Jagdish Temple

Our destination was just a few meters away from there, so we reached it shortly. The temple is well-architected, incorporating the clean carvings of elephants, lions, humans, etc. Inside the temple, devotees were celebrating the day by singing hymns dedicated to Shree Krishna, the narrator of the Divine Geeta. We witnessed the program and had a sight of dark coloured stone replica of God. This replica reflected the aura of the God whenever real devotion arose from within. As it was a crowded day, we had to leave the temple quite early.

The temple-timings during our visit in January were 5:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 09:00 PM. And it is just 3 km from the Udaipur City Railways Station.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Neemach Mata Temple Trek

After leaving the Jagdish temple, we hired an auto rickshaw for ₹150 to reach the Neemach Mata Temple trek point. We were there shortly, as it was also not very far from the city centre.

Udaipur Travel: Experiencing the Ambience of a Mini Forest

As we started our trek, the natural view on the sides of the trekking path attracted me. I went inside that mini-to-micro forest to feel the ambience of Goddess Parvati – the nature. As I walked, I saw the natural colours of flowers and leaves and heard the chirping of birds and the crackling of dried leaves under my feet.

After this blissful experience, we began our trek and soon found a Shiva lingam established in a tranquil corner. We sat beside the Shiva lingam, in the lap of Mother Nature, to absorb a little serenity from nature and mental stillness from the lingam.

Udaipur Travel: Visiting Neemach Mata Temple

Later, we trekked to the top, with continuous exploration of nature around us, covering the total trek distance of nearly a kilometre. We bowed before the goddess, sat in the temple for an hour or so, and clicked a few beautiful pictures from the top.

After that, we trekked down, had lunch, and explored a few places in the city on foot. As the time for our return train approached, we went to the Udaipur City Railway Station to reach Delhi the next morning. On the train, we planned our next trip to visit the Sawariya Seth Temple, located near Chittaurgarh, after hearing about it from our fellow passengers.

More Places to Visit in Udaipur

This was about the places that we visited. Let’s now discuss some places to visit in Udaipur that we couldn’t.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Shilpgram

Shilpgram is an arts and crafts village located among the Aravalli hills, three kilometres west of Udaipur. It is around nine kilometres away from the railway station and nearly 6 kilometres away from the city centre. It is a great place to visit for those who want to experience what earlier ideal villages used to be like. It showcases traditional huts, handicraft stalls, and an open-air amphitheatre for folk performances.

It opens at 11:00 AM and closes at 7:00 PM, with a nominal entry fee of ₹60-₹100. This location is situated on the outskirts of the city and therefore does not offer easy access to shared transportation. The auto-rickshaws can be hired from the city centre for ₹300-₹350; you may bargain to bring the prices up to ₹150-₹200.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: City Palace

City Palace is one of Rajasthan’s largest and most majestic palace complexes, perched on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. It features grand courtyards, palaces such as the Chandra Mahal, and the Crystal Gallery, offering stunning views of the lake. It lies 3 km from Udaipur City Railway Station, reachable by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus within some 7-15 minutes. As I didn’t visit the palace, I don’t have the details of the entry fee figures. It should be nominal for the palace and somewhere in between ₹250 and ₹500 for the museum.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Bagore Ki Haveli

Bagore Ki Haveli is an 18th-century mansion situated on the banks of Lake Pichola at Gangaur Ghat. It is renowned for its intricate architecture, courtyards, and a museum that showcases royal artifacts and Rajasthani culture. It lies 3–4 km from Udaipur City Railway Station, which is about a 6–10-minute drive by auto‑rickshaw. It is within walking distance of City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and Lake Pichhola. The haveli functions as a museum with an entry fee. Details are as follows:

• Museum Entry Fee (Indians): ₹60 for adults and ₹30 for children.
• Museum Entry Fee (Foreigners):  ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children.
• Museum Camera Entry Fee: ₹50.
• Dance Show Ticket Price (Indians): 90 for adults and ₹45 for children.
• Dance Show Ticket Price (Foreigners):  ₹150 for adults and ₹75 for children.
• Dance Show Camera Entry Fee: ₹150.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Saheliyon Ki Bari

Saheliyon-ki-Bari is a historic garden in Udaipur built by Maharana Sangram Singh II. It was presented as a serene retreat for his queen and her 48 attendants and thus was named so. It features lush lawns, marble fountains mimicking rainfall, a lotus pool with elephant statues, and elegant pavilions. It lies 4-5 km from Udaipur City Railway Station, reachable in 10-15 minutes by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus. Entry to the garden requires a nominal fee of around ₹10-20 for Indians and ₹50-100 for foreigners.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace)

Sajjangarh Palace is also known as the Monsoon Palace. It is a hilltop structure built atop Bansdara Peak in the Aravalli Hills. It has been crafted from white marble, showcasing elements like domes, jharokhas (traditional windows), and intricate carvings. It offers panoramic 360-degree views of Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, and the city skyline. It is also a great place to visit magical sunset views. The palace is located about 9-10 km from Udaipur City Station and can be reached in 20-25 minutes. Entry to the palace is subject to the payment of a fee of ₹120 for Indians and ₹500 for foreigners.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Ambrai Ghat at Lake Pichola

Ambrai Ghat is a serene waterfront on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. It is named after the nearby Ambrai Mata Temple, and is also known as Manjhi Ghat or Hanuman Ghat. This bank of Pichola Lake offers beautiful panoramic views of the City Palace, Jag Mandir, and Jag Niwas (Lake Palace). It is a peaceful spot with the nearby rooftop Ambrai Restaurant, having marble steps and seating. It is also a great sunset point, situated just 3.5–4 km from Udaipur City Station. Entry to the Ghat is free, though boat rides or nearby dining incur separate charges.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Bahubali Hills and Badi Lake

Bahubali Hills are situated adjacent to the Badi Lake on the outskirts of Udaipur. It is located about 12-15 km from Udaipur city station and is a hotspot for photographers and nature lovers. A 15–20-minute hike on the hill offers panoramic vistas of the lake, hills, and sunrise/sunset skies. Entry is nominal at ₹10 per person for the Bahubali Hills trek, with free access to Badi Lake.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Vintage Collection of Classic Cars Museum

The Vintage Collection of Classic Cars Museum showcases a private royal collection of over 20 meticulously restored vintage automobiles from the Maharana of Mewar’s family. It includes iconic models like a 1938 BMW 328, a 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25, and a 1924 Fiat Zero, among others. This museum highlights automotive evolution and royal heritage, drawing car enthusiasts to this unique attraction near Fateh Sagar Lake. The museum lies approximately 3-4 km from Udaipur City Railway Station and remains open from 9 AM to 6 PM. It has an entry fee of ₹400 for adults and ₹250 for children, with cameras permitted for an extra charge.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a protected habitat for leopards, hyenas, nilgai, wild boars, and over 200 bird species. It spans over 5 square kilometres, encompassing the forested Aravalli Hills around the iconic Monsoon Palace. It offers jeep safaris, nature trails, and stunning views, and is established to preserve the biodiversity near Udaipur’s outskirts. The sanctuary entrance is about 10-12 km from Udaipur City Station, taking 20-30 minutes by car via the airport road. Entry fee is ₹165 for Indians and ₹550 for foreigners, with separate charges for camera and vehicle entry.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Pratap Gaurav Kendra (Bhakti Dham)

Pratap Gaurav Kendra is a modern tribute to Maharana Pratap, located within the expansive Bhakti Dham complex near Tiger Hills. It features a towering 101-foot bronze statue of the legendary warrior-king astride his horse Chetak. The statue is surrounded by museums, galleries on Mewar history, musical fountains, and spiritual temples that blend patriotism with devotion. It serves as an educational and cultural hub, drawing families and history buffs. It is situated roughly 8-10 km from Udaipur City Station and has entry fees as follows:

• Entry Fee (Indians): ₹160 for Adults and ₹110 for children.
• Entry Fee (Foreigners):  ₹460 for adults and ₹260 for children.
• Water Laser Show Ticket Price (Indians): 100 for Adults and ₹50 for children.
• Water Laser Show Ticket Price (Foreigners):  ₹200 for adults and ₹150 for children.

Trip to Udaipur: Final Words

I have had a great experience while visiting a few places in Udaipur. While writing about other places, I found many of them quite attractive and may go to explore them sometime later. Those who want to explore nature, monuments, and temples, and want to experience small treks, must visit Udaipur once. For now, you can check my Instagram to see more images of city and lake views of Udaipur from hilltop.